From ancient Babylon to modern sports science — the humble beetroot is one of nature's most extraordinary foods. Prepare to be amazed.
Science-backed, nature-delivered. Here's why the beetroot deserves its superfood crown — and why we're so obsessed with growing the best ones in Zambia.
History, culture, space travel — beets have been everywhere. Here are the facts that'll make you the most interesting person at any dinner table.
Around 800 BC, an Assyrian text describes beets growing in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon — one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Beets have literally been a wonder of the world.
In 1975, during the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, Soviet cosmonauts welcomed NASA's Apollo 18 astronauts with a banquet of borscht (beet soup) — prepared in zero gravity. Even in space, beets were the meal of choice.
Boil beets in water, let the water cool, then massage it into your scalp each night — and it's said to be an effective natural remedy for dandruff. The betaine and natural compounds in beets have known anti-fungal properties. Who needs a pharmacy when you have a beet?
Grapes aren't the only way to make wine. Beets can be fermented into a wine that tastes remarkably similar to port — rich, earthy, and deeply coloured. It's been made in rural communities for centuries. Try our beetroot products and imagine what the wine must taste like.
Since the 16th century, beet juice has been used as a natural red dye. In 19th century England, the Victorians used it to dye their hair. Long before salons and chemical treatments, beets were the original hair colourant — and all natural.
In Australia, a true Oz-style burger must include a slice or two of beetroot or pickled beets. Even McDonald's and Burger King had to add it to their Australian menus. It's not optional — it's law (of flavour). Sound familiar? Our Pickled Beetroot and Relish are made exactly for this.
In Greek mythology, it is believed that if a man and a woman eat from the same beet, they will fall in love. Whether or not you believe in ancient mythology, sharing a jar of PV Farms Pickled Beetroot certainly couldn't hurt your chances.
Beets are a traditional food eaten at Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Called selek in Hebrew — similar to sillek, meaning "take away" or "dismiss" — beets symbolise getting rid of evil and starting fresh. A vegetable that represents new beginnings. We're big fans of that idea.
Since Roman times, beets have been associated with vitality and energy — and modern science has confirmed why. Beets are high in boron, a mineral that supports healthy hormone production and balance in the body. Meanwhile, natural nitrates improve circulation by converting to nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels and increases blood flow throughout the body. Better circulation means better energy, sharper focus, and overall vitality. The Romans were onto something.
Beets contain betaine — a substance that has been found to help treat depression. Betaine works alongside SAMe (a compound often given as an antidepressant), increasing its efficiency and reducing depressive symptoms. Good food genuinely feeds the mind, not just the body.
The deep red pigment in beets — betacyanin — is so powerful that it's been used as a natural food colouring for centuries. It's what turns your smoothie that gorgeous crimson, your pasta pink, and your cake layers stunning — with zero artificial additives. Our beetroot powder brings this to your kitchen.
Before modern medicine, beets were prescribed as a "blood builder" for people who were pale and run down. Doctors may not have known why it worked — but the high iron content was doing exactly what they hoped.
Raw beets have higher folate levels than cooked beets. But both are excellent sources of nutrition — so whether you're adding our powder to a smoothie or eating our pickled slices straight from the jar, you're winning either way.
The pigments that give beets their intense colour are called betalains. These work as powerful antioxidants, reducing inflammation, protecting the liver, and preventing "bad" cholesterol from turning into artery-clogging plaques. Colour has never been so useful.
The same folate that makes beets great for pregnant mothers also makes them ideal for growing babies — which is why our Little Beets instant porridge includes beetroot alongside sweet potato and groundnut for a complete early-life nutrition package.